WJPA Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Matthew Liberatore ended an 11-start winless stretch and Alec Burleson got his major league-best 112th RBI as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1. Liberatore gave up one run and six hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. His previous win came on July 11 against Atlanta in the left-hander’s last start before the All-Star break. Liberatore had lost eight straight decisions. Burleson singled in the first run in a three-run third that put the Cardinals ahead 3-1. Iván Herrera scored on a wild pitch and Leo Bernal hit an RBI single.

The NFL hasn’t seen an early-season injury epidemic at quarterback quite like this in a long time. With Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart all getting hurt in Week 2, there’s a good chance six teams will be forced to go with a backup quarterback as the starter because of injuries by the time the games this week are finished. This will be the first time since at least 2000 that has happened within the first three games of a season.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson isn’t sure how Browns fans will react on Sunday as he makes his first regular-season home start in Cleveland in nearly two years. Watson is focused on avoiding any tension with fans before facing the Carolina Panthers. He was booed during an August exhibition game and called the reaction “personal.” Watson says he wants to move forward and feel the fans’ support. Cornerback Denzel Ward also hopes for team support from fans. Watson has been performing well, with a high completion rate and effective short passes. He could have a favorable matchup against Carolina’s defense.